Trinton Ynclan (1) finds his way into the end zone for a touchdown against Stevens during high-school football action at Gustafson Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.

Trinton Ynclan (1) finds his way into the end zone for a touchdown against Stevens during high-school football action at Gustafson Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.

Photo: Billy Calzada, Express-News

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Brandeis' Andrew Heft (85) celebrates a touchdown reception with teammates Jonathan Robinson (3) and Trinton Ynclan during the first half of a high school football game against O'Connor, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, Farris Stadium in San Antonio.

Brandeis' Andrew Heft (85) celebrates a touchdown reception with teammates Jonathan Robinson (3) and Trinton Ynclan during the first half of a high school football game against O'Connor, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012,

Brandeis running back Trinton Ynclan (right) shows his frustration as Smithson Valley runs builds a 20-0 lead in the first quarter of season opener for both teams at Farris Stadium on Aug. 31, 2012. Ynclan injured his right elbow on Aug. 25 and was unable to play in the game. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Brandeis running back Trinton Ynclan (right) shows his frustration as Smithson Valley runs builds a 20-0 lead in the first quarter of season opener for both teams at Farris Stadium on Aug. 31, 2012. Ynclan

Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan rushed for 289 of the Broncos’ 334 total yards in a 34-20 victory against Clark. He scored TDs on runs of 12, 62, 34 and 23 yards and kicked four extra points.

Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan rushed for 289 of the Broncos’ 334 total yards in a 34-20 victory against Clark. He scored TDs on runs of 12, 62, 34 and 23 yards and kicked four extra points.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas/eaornelas@express-news.net

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FOR SPORTS - Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan runs to the end zone for a touchdown against Boerne Championduring first half action Friday Sept. 2, 2011 at Boerne ISD Stadium in Boerne, TX.

FOR SPORTS - Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan runs to the end zone for a touchdown against Boerne Championduring first half action Friday Sept. 2, 2011 at Boerne ISD Stadium in Boerne, TX.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Express-News

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FOR SPORTS - Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan scores one of his three touchdowns against Boerne Champion during second half action Friday Sept. 2, 2011 at Boerne ISD Stadium in Boerne, TX. Brandeis won 47-30.

FOR SPORTS - Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan scores one of his three touchdowns against Boerne Champion during second half action Friday Sept. 2, 2011 at Boerne ISD Stadium in Boerne, TX. Brandeis won 47-30.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, Express-News

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Strong-willed Ynclan leads Brandeis into showdown

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It's easy to judge senior Trinton Ynclan's impact for Brandeis in traditional football terms — 4,102 yards rushing in his career and 27 touchdowns this season.

That doesn't begin to express his importance to the program, according to Brandeis coach John Campbell.

“Trinton represents so much to us than just the kid who's carrying the ball and scoring touchdowns,” Campbell said as the Broncos prepare to face Steele in the state quarterfinals. “He kind of represents everything that we want our program to be.”

Ynclan simply outworks everybody.

He always has had to. He's generously listed at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds. He doesn't have 4.3-second 40-yard dash speed.

He's made up for his physical limitations with football instincts and willpower.

“That's the way I was brought up,” Ynclan said. “Since I was a young boy playing football, playing as hard as I can is all I've known.”

Ynclan also credits Brandeis running backs Noah Copeland and Quincy Adams for setting a high standard. The Broncos always have had a 1,000-yard rusher in their five-year history.

“I guess we're just all guys who work hard and get the job done,” Ynclan said.

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Ynclan's season appeared to be in jeopardy after a preseason elbow injury. But he quickly recovered and missed only two games, including Brandeis' lone loss to Smithson Valley, before returning against rival Warren.

Wearing a large brace on his right elbow, he took his first carry of the season 75 yards for a touchdown. He hasn't slowed since, rushing for 1,717 yards on 197 carries.

“His work ethic, it spreads to everyone else on the field,” said receiver Andrew Heft, who, at 6-6, towers over his teammate.

Ynclan will be in the familiar underdog role in Saturday's 4 p.m. showdown with Steele at the Alamodome. The Knights have been to two consecutive state finals, beating the Broncos in the second round during each run.

Last year's loss to Steele lingers in Ynclan's mind. He ran straight into the teeth of the Knights' defense with 39 carries for 229 yards and a score. But Brandeis couldn't capitalize on its red-zone opportunities in the 28-6 loss.

“We were successful running the ball, but we lost the game, and that's all you care about,” Ynclan said. “It stuck with us all season.”

He expects he'll get his share of carries again this time around, and hopes to lead the Broncos to another playoff upset. Then, he'd like to find a place to play college football. So far, only The Citadel and Incarnate Word have expressed interest.

That's nothing new. He's always had to work harder. And he's always gotten it done.

“People get flashes of it on those third-and-2s. You can see that fire and determination,” Campbell said. “Everybody in the stands knows that little guy is going to get it done.”